DONG Energy and Siemens Wind Power (Siemens) have entered into an agreement under which Siemens will supply test turbines for research and development purposes to DONG Energy.The agreement is part of DONG Energy's establishment of a new demonstration programme for offshore wind turbines.

Siemens will supply two newly developed 6.0 MW offshore wind turbines.Besides generating more power, the new turbines are expected to be easier to maintain, as they are based on gearless, direct drive technology.The introduction of this new turbine is a significant step towards making offshore wind power more competitive.The two 6 MW turbines can be installed at DONG Energy's demonstration sites in the UK and Denmark.

Furthermore, as part of the test programme, Siemens will supply an updated version of Siemens’ 3.6 MW turbine with a 120-metre rotor for use at DONG Energy's Avedøre Holme test site.

”DONG Energy's leading market position in offshore wind power is based on the company’s long-standing unique skills in the development, construction and operation of offshore wind farms.Demonstration activities play an important role in the retention and development of these skills.For DONG Energy, the implementation of new, more efficient, technologies and optimised concepts and processes is an important element in reducing the costs of offshore wind,” says Anders Eldrup, CEO of DONG Energy.

As part of the demonstration programme, a number of tests will be carried out on the turbines with a view to observations and test results being used in the work connected with the development of DONG Energy’s future offshore wind farms.

The total investment for DONG Energy related to the construction of the three turbines is expected to amount to around DKK 450 million.

The information provided in this announcement does not change the previous financial guidance for the 2010 financial year or the announced expected investment level.

Tags: DONG Energy, Siemens Energy